Is GERD Keeping You Up at Night Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch GERD Is GERD Keeping You Up at Night People with GERD often have a hard time getting a good night's sleep because of persistent acid reflux. Find out how to cut down on this problem. By Dennis Thompson JrMedically Reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH Reviewed: August 9, 2011 Medically Reviewed You’re trying to get a good night’s sleep, but it just isn’t happening. In addition to tossing and turning, the burning sensation of heartburn isn’t making your sleep efforts any easier. What’s going on? Was it something you ate? Your sleeping position?Heartburn and Sleeplessness poses a serious health problem. In addition to the physical and mental effects that stem from lack of sleep, people who experience nocturnal GERD are at greater risk for some of the worst complications of the disease, including erosive esophagitis, dyspepsia, and Also, sleeping people tend to swallow less frequently. This slows the regular esophageal contractions that normally keep food moving down the esophagus and prevent acid from moving back up. Sleepers also produce less saliva, which plays a role in returning esophageal pH levels to normal after an incident of acid reflux. GERD and Sleep Position: Dos and Don'ts If you are a GERD sufferer, you can do a lot to improve your quality of sleep by changing your sleeping position. Doctors recommend that you:Do elevate the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches to assist gravity in keeping your stomach acid from refluxing.Don't sleep on your back, particularly if you are obese, because the pressure on your stomach could help drive acid into your esophagus.Don't sleep on your right side. For some reason, this seems to prompt relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter — the tight ring of muscle connecting the stomach and esophagus that normally defends against reflux.Do sleep on your left side. This is the position that has been found to best NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in GERD Treatment Options for GERD Although most cases of GERD can be effectively managed with lifestyle modifications and medications, sometimes surgery may be necessary.By Mark HenricksDecember 3, 2021 What’s the Difference Between Acid Reflux and GERD? A burning pain in your chest generally signals heartburn, right? But if you are thinking that heartburn, also known as acid reflux, is the same as gastroesophag...By Denise SchipaniDecember 1, 2021 What Is GERD? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and PreventionBy Ashley WelchAugust 27, 2021 Managing GERD in an Era of UncertaintyBy Everyday Health Guest ContributorNovember 22, 2019 Still Searching for Relief From GERDBy Sean Delshad, MD, MBAMay 24, 2019 Heartburn Causes, Symptoms, and DiagnosisBy Diana RodriguezSeptember 17, 2018 How Changes in Body Weight Affect GERD A growing body of research shows that your weight can have a significant impact on acid reflux and related symptoms.By Allison RyanJune 22, 2018 GERD Symptoms and DiagnosisBy Mark HenricksJune 19, 2018 How to Choose the Right GERD Diet Consuming smaller meals, eating slowly, and avoiding certain foods may help relieve symptoms of GERD.By Mark HenricksJune 14, 2018 New Diet to Cut Acid RefluxBy November 16, 2017 MORE IN 10 Ways to Sleep Better With COPD What Makes Someone a Light or Heavy Sleeper? Sleep Problems Related to Heart Failure and How to Manage Them Wellness inspired Wellness enabled FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestYoutubeTikTok About Us Careers Editorial Policy Newsletters Meet Our Health Expert Network Privacy Policy Health News Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Contact Us Feedback Do Not Sell My Personal Information Popular Topics AdChoices NEWSLETTERS Get the best in health and wellness SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. A PROPERTY OF EHGLogo More From Everyday Health: Castle Connolly Top Doctors DailyOM Diabetes Daily Everyday Health Care Migraine Again 1996-2022 Everyday Health, Inc. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Badges Badges Badges